Acclimatization of Tissue Culture Pineapple Plantlet Using Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics Technique in Comparison with Other Conventional Substrates

Aims: Previously conventional substrates consisting of topsoil mixtures have produced low yield and low survival rate of the tissue culture plantlets. Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technique is being compared with Sawdust (SD) and Topsoil (TS) as a suitable method of acclimatization and further rooting of the plantlets. This research is aimed at optimizing the protocol for acclimatization of tissue culture pineapple plantlets. Study Design: Experimental Research Design. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Biotechnology Research Unit, Tissue Culture Laboratory, National Horticultural Research Institute, Jericho-Idi-Ishin, Ibadan. Feb 2021 – April 2021. Methodology: The technique employed was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 10 samples per treatment in 6 replicates. 5 treatments were investigated in this research. Data analysis was done with the use of SAS statistical analysis software (p<0.05). Fresh crowns of Ananas comosus (pineapple) were extracted and were cultivated in test tubes containing full MS media. The plantlets were sub-cultured twice, after which they were taken into the hardening chamber. The plantlets were acclimatized in the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics substrate and other substrates – Topsoil(TS), Sawdust(SD), Sawdust + Topsoil (3:1), and Sawdust + Topsoil (1:3). Results: The result shows that the mean difference in Plant Height and Root Length for SAH substrate was significant as against other substrates used in this study (p<0.05) with SAH having the highest value of 3.50cm for plant height and 2.53cm for root length. A 100% survival rate was observed for the plantlets grown SAH media as compared to the ones acclimatized on Topsoil and Sawdust combinations which showed a 50% survival rate. There was no significant difference in the number of leaves among all the groups of substrates. Conclusion: In conclusion, SAH media is a very effective media for the hardening and acclimatization of micro-propagated plantlets.

Novel Platform for Regulation of Extracellular Vesicles and Metabolites Secretion from Cells Using a Multi-Linkable Horizontal Co-Culture Plate

Microfluidics is applied in biotechnology research via the creation of microfluidic channels and reaction vessels. Filters are considered to be able to simulate microfluidics. A typical example is the cell culture insert, which comprises two vessels connected by a filter. Cell culture inserts have been used for years to study cell-to-cell communication. These systems generally have a bucket-in-bucket structure and are hereafter referred to as a vertical-type co-culture plate (VTCP). However, VTCPs have several disadvantages, such as the inability to simultaneously observe samples in both containers and the inability of cell-to-cell communication through the filters at high cell densities. In this study, we developed a novel horizontal-type co-culture plate (HTCP) to overcome these disadvantages and confirm its performance. In addition, we clarified the migration characteristics of substances secreted from cells in horizontal co-culture vessels. It is generally assumed that less material is exchanged between the horizontal vessels. However, the extracellular vesicle (EV) transfer was found to be twice as high when using HTCP. Other merits include control of the degree of co-culture via the placement of cells. We believe that this novel HTCP container will facilitate research on cell-to-cell communication in various fields.

The genetically modified organism shall not be refused? Talking back to the technosciences

Starting from Marcel Mauss’ observation that “one has no right to refuse a gift”, this paper explores the politics of refusal in the context of field trials with genetically modified organisms in Flanders (Belgium). Based on a decade of activist research, and focusing on the genetically modified organism field trials of the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, we show that the business model of this strategic research center – with its triple mission of carrying biotechnology research, technology transfer, and the promotion of biotechnology through communication and lobby activities – fosters a climate in which innovations in the technosciences have to “be accepted”. The future is laid out without including the possibility of refusal. Consternation is great when this is exactly what happens. Irrational fears and lack of understanding or lack of familiarity are invoked to explain refusal. Language of precision, innovation, safety, and control are deployed to re-assure the public. Refusal is not considered a legitimate option. Yet, if farmers and grassroots initiatives would accept the gift of genetically modified organisms, it would mean the acceptance of their dispossession and the impossibility of diverse food sovereignties. Starting from theoretical work on “the gift” and “the politics of refusal”, we argue that recognizing innovation as the intrinsically plural and divergent process it is, entails including options to refuse particular pathways as a first step to open up others. As we will argue, saying no to genetically modified organisms is part of saying yes to peasant autonomy, agrobiodiversity, and peoples’ food sovereignties.

Bioentrepreneurship: A venture for commercializing biotechnological knowledge

The term "biotechnology" is widely used and encompasses many different technologies. Consulting firms provide common definitions of modern biotechnology. The term "modern biotechnology" refers to all innovative methods, processes or products, including the use of living organisms or their cellular compartments, and the use of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, virology, microbiology, cell biology or environmental sciences and engineering. Biotechnology and entrepreneurship are intrinsically linked together, and are studied biotechnology at the regional, firm, and individual level of analysis The concept of "bioentrepreneurship", is described as a wealth created by applying the life sciences to a business environment. Bioentrepreneurs seek business value in the technologies they use to conduct biotechnology research. Some well-known bio startups are based on multiple companies. Biotechnology and entrepreneurship are essentially linked. In recent years, a large number of articles in the business literature have studied biotechnology at the level of analysis of regions, companies and individuals. This review article will encourage stakeholders to address the research space which have been recognized and will help more progress in this captivating area of ​​interest in the field of biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

Considering Ethics in Agricultural Experimental Research with Special Mention to Agricultural Biotechnology Research

Ethics in experimental research equals scientific integrity, a notion principle particularly stressing honesty while implementing discipline concepts on what is excellent and terrible. Some moral responsibility is defined through specifically agreed standards in doing experimental research. Ethics of experimental research in agriculture involves all activities done before, during, and after the study, consisting of personal, research, and social ethics. Ethical code and policy include, but are not limited to, honesty, objectivity, integrity, carefulness, openness, intellectual right recognition, confidentiality, responsible publication, social responsibility, competency, legality, and protecting research object/subject (plant, animal, human) from possible unfair manipulation. One development triggering the controversy of agriculture’s experimental ethics is the progress of agricultural biotechnology which resulted in genetic engineering products. Rules, regulations, and laws concerning the use and development of genetic engineering in agriculture to avoid adverse effects of these products, such as rising environmental hazards, increasing human health degradation, and unfair economic competition, should be considered and implemented.

The Influence of Various Growth Regulators on Induction Organogenic Callus from Gajah and Kuning Cassava Genotype (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Kuning and Gajah genotypes are two collections of cassava in the Biotechnology Research Center for Germplasm, LIPI with the advantages of each genotype are high beta carotene and high production. The multiplication in in vitro culture can be done one of them through organogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using 2,4-D; NAA and Kinetin are used singly for the formation of organogenesis of cassava in the Kuning Cassava and Gajah genotypes. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Modification of Plant Biosynthetic Pathways, Biteknologi Research Center, LIPI, Bogor since January - February 2018. The source of explants were young leaves and petiols from cassava plant culture in vitro genotypes of Gajah and Kuning yam which were three months old. in culture. The basic media used as a planting medium were Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with the addition of growth regulators (ZPT) singly, 2,4-D, NAA and Kinetin with two concentrations of ZPT each, 8 and 10 mg L- 1 This research was arranged based on a completely randomized design factorial pattern consisting of 2 factors. All data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and if there is an influence then proceed with the DMRT test with an error rate of 5% using the SPSS program. The highest number of Kuning genotype cassava organogenic callus that developed into shoots on the medium added by ZPT was 2.4 D and kinetin with the same concentration of 8 mg L-1. Formation of the best organogenic callus in petiol explants in the media with the addition of a single 2,4-D and Kinetin with the same concentration of 8 mg L-1. Keywords: Cassava, growth regulators, organogenic.

Book Review DATANGNYA PAGEBLUK: COVID-19, FLU BURUNG DAN WABAH KAPITALISME (Arrival of Pagebluk: Covid-19, Avian Flu and the Plague of Capitalism)

The book was written to provide information about the plague that is now attacking the world. From a historical point of view author connects the afflictions of the past and the curses that strike the world today. From the Spanish flu, bird flu to Covid-19 can kill at least 40 million people until now is still growing. Through this historical approach, the information submitted can be used as the latest reference about Covid-19 or previous outbreaks, as an analysis so that they can survive in the pandemic.The book is intended for anyone who is really interested in the latest issue that is shaking the world. Because this book not only contains the Covid-19 outbreak, but also contains histories of previous outbreaks and is related to today's situation. The author writes from the health or medical side, historically, anthropology to philosophy critically. So it is clear that the book will be very suitable for those who like to think critically, those who want to study the latest information about the outbreak, they are beginners of biotechnology research and everything that is related to the Covid-19 outbreak research and previously without an age benchmark this book will match those who are interested in this issue.The book, at least it provides new information regarding research on the Covid-19 virus. Especially the conditions in America before and during Covid-19, in fact, almost all chapters must describe the requirements and policies of the American government both in the Covid-19 pandemic or previous pandemics. The author provides many information and data from research by experts on outbreaks and pandemics that may still be unknown in developing countries.The author explains about the pandemics that have shocked the world until the pandemic that we are facing today. By reviewing, it is hoped that many people, especially the younger generation, will find out about the conditions we face today. By reviewing it, you can also describe the book's contents a little to be more interested in this book. Because the content conveyed is in accordance with the current state of the world, this review can be used as the latest analysis and study about outbreaks and pandemics in several decades.

Reviewing Challenges of Predicting Protein Melting Temperature Change Upon Mutation Through the Full Analysis of a Highly Detailed Dataset with High-Resolution Structures

Predicting the effects of mutations on protein stability is a key problem in fundamental and applied biology, still unsolved even for the relatively simple case of small, soluble, globular, monomeric, two-state-folder proteins. Many articles discuss the limitations of prediction methods and of the datasets used to train them, which result in low reliability for actual applications despite globally capturing trends. Here, we review these and other issues by analyzing one of the most detailed, carefully curated datasets of melting temperature change (ΔTm) upon mutation for proteins with high-resolution structures. After examining the composition of this dataset to discuss imbalances and biases, we inspect several of its entries assisted by an online app for data navigation and structure display and aided by a neural network that predicts ΔTm with accuracy close to that of programs available to this end. We pose that the ΔTm predictions of our network, and also likely those of other programs, account only for a baseline-like general effect of each type of amino acid substitution which then requires substantial corrections to reproduce the actual stability changes. The corrections are very different for each specific case and arise from fine structural details which are not well represented in the dataset and which, despite appearing reasonable upon visual inspection of the structures, are hard to encode and parametrize. Based on these observations, additional analyses, and a review of recent literature, we propose recommendations for developers of stability prediction methods and for efforts aimed at improving the datasets used for training. We leave our interactive interface for analysis available online at http://lucianoabriata.altervista.org/papersdata/proteinstability2021/s1626navigation.html so that users can further explore the dataset and baseline predictions, possibly serving as a tool useful in the context of structural biology and protein biotechnology research and as material for education in protein biophysics.